Poplar Dimple Tray

This sculptural tray by Christian Nyberg is a striking study in form, fire, and tactility. Hand-carved from solid wood, its surface is richly textured with rhythmic hand-hammered dimples, each one catching shadow and light. At its center, a smooth, organic depression reveals the ghost of flame—formed through Nyberg's signature process, where embers are placed on the wood and left to burn their way inward. The piece is then scraped, re-burned, and shaped again, allowing fire and heat to dictate the final form.

Charred to a deep matte black, the tray bears visible cracks and undulations, embracing the natural unpredictability of combustion. A single brass inlay dot punctuates one corner, offering a quiet moment of contrast and balance. The result is both primitive and refined—an object that holds space more than it holds things. 

• Poplar Rectangular Tray